Job hunting is not fun. For most people, the most difficult part is writing a cover letter - and with a good excuse. Fitting your experience, skills, benefits, motivations, and aspirations all on one page is not easy. And to make it interesting enough to leave an impression on a hiring manager.

The good news is - there are tips that will make the process for job seekers much smoother. Before we discuss all of them, let's answer the question you might be asking: "Do I need one?" The answer is yes, and we'll explain why.

What is a cover letter?

Ok, let’s quickly define what a cover letter is. 

A cover letter is a short, professional document that accompanies your resume. It's your opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your qualifications beyond the bullets on your resume, and express your enthusiasm for the specific position and company.

What to include in a cover letter?

Before thinking about how to sum up your experience, there is a basic business letter structure you should follow. It includes: 

• Your contact information;
• The current date;
• The hiring manager’s name (and title); 
• The company’s address;
• A hiring manager’s email address;
• A salutation (greeting);
• An opening paragraph;
• Body paragraph;
• A closing paragraph;
• A sign-off.

How long should a cover letter be? 

Simply, it should be short enough that a hiring manager can get the main points in a glimpse. If you think your cover letter is short, make it shorter. Aim for a concise and impactful document, ideally between a half-page and a full page. Hiring managers are busy, so get straight to the point.

Try to keep it under a page and even shorter is better. As a rule of thumb, you can take - 250 to 400 words.

How to write a good cover letter for a job application?

Research the company

Read about the company and the position. Understand what they’re looking for and the requirements for the position. This will also help you understand the culture of the organization, helping you decide the tone of your letter. For example, if they’re creative with the content and copy they use, you can be a bit looser in wording compared to a more conservative organization, with which you might want to hold back.

While researching, keep these points in mind:

• Get an idea of the company’s culture, values, and mission to tell the hiring manager why you’re a great fit;
• Find the hiring manager’s name so that you can address your cover letter to them.

Add a professional header

Cover letter headers follow the usual business letter format. They usually include your name, address, phone number, and email address. This info should go at the top of the page, aligned to the left or center.

Remember to include your contact information in the cover letter heading. This should include your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and email address. Use a professional email address like “John.doe@email.com” instead of something personal like “Pinkunicorn12@email.com.” 

If you have a LinkedIn profile or an online portfolio include those links too.

How to greet the hiring manager?

Many people make mistakes at this step, which can set a negative tone for the letter.

Greeting the hiring manager allows you to form a personal connection (as much as text allows it). The first thing to consider is if you're unsure of their gender, just use their full name.

For example: “Dear [hiring manager’s full name],”

If you know the hiring manager’s gender, use “Mr.” or “Ms.” but avoid “Mrs.” or “Miss” as these assume marital status.

Avoid using informal greetings such as "Hello" or "Hey." Also, refrain from using outdated greetings like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern."

If you can't find a name, use “Dear hiring manager” or “Dear hiring team.” 

Here are some do’s and don’ts for salutations:

Write a memorable introduction

Imagine you have 30 seconds to convince a busy hiring manager you're the perfect candidate. That's the essence of a cover letter introduction – a powerful first impression that sets you apart from the pile of applications.

But how to do it? 

There are a few things to consider to make your introduction stand out.

1. State your interest clearly and concisely by specifying the role you're applying for and expressing excitement about the opportunity.
2. Highlight your value proposition: Don't just list your skills; explain how your expertise directly addresses the company's needs. Briefly mention a relevant accomplishment that demonstrates your impact.
3. Show you've done your research: Tailor your introduction to the specific company and position. Mention a recent project, company initiative, or industry trend that resonates with your skills and interests. This demonstrates genuine interest and initiative.
4. Focus on the future: Your resume details your past achievements. Your cover letter should be forward-looking. Briefly explain how your goals and aspirations align with the company's direction and what you can contribute to their future success.
5. Quantify your impact: Numbers speak volumes. Briefly mention a measurable accomplishment from a previous role to showcase your effectiveness.
6. Tell your professional story: Weave a captivating narrative that connects your skills and experiences to the specific needs of the role.
7. Shared connection (optional): If you have a mutual connection with someone at the company, mentioning them strategically can help your application stand out. However, avoid relying solely on this tactic.

Write the body paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your cover letter should explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. Here's how to convince the hiring manager you're the ideal candidate:

Talk about what you’ve achieved.

• Experienced professionals: If you have experience in the target role or industry, dive deeper into your accomplishments. Use specific examples and quantifiable results to illustrate your impact. 

Again, numbers speak volumes! Did you increase sales by 20%? State those achievements to show your effectiveness.

• New graduates and career changers: Don't be discouraged if you lack direct experience. Focus on relevant skills you've developed through projects, internships, coursework, or volunteer work. Connect these experiences to the specific requirements of the job description. 

For example, if you managed a successful fundraising event at your university, highlight your leadership, organizational, and communication skills, all valuable assets in a specific role.

Don’t just list skills.

Instead of just listing skills, show how they help solve company challenges and contribute to success. Make sure to emphasize skills from the job description and show how you have used them in past roles.

Do you align with the company’s values?

Company culture plays a significant role in job satisfaction and success. If the company's mission and values resonate with you, showcase this alignment! 

For example, if the company prioritizes environmental sustainability and you're passionate about green initiatives, mention your involvement in relevant volunteer work or personal projects. 

This demonstrates your genuine enthusiasm for their mission and potential for cultural fit.

The same skills can be applied to different jobs

Transitioning to a new career path? Don't underestimate the power of transferable skills! These are skills applicable across various industries. Focus on highlighting your transferable skills, such as - communication, problem-solving, or project management, and explain how you can effectively use them in the new role. 

By emphasizing your adaptability and willingness to learn, you demonstrate your potential to thrive in a new environment.

Write a closing paragraph

The closing paragraph of your cover letter is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. 

Here's how to craft a memorable closing that demonstrates your enthusiasm and initiative:

• Reiterate your enthusiasm: Express your genuine interest in the opportunity and the company. Briefly reiterate why you're a perfect fit for the role.
• Confidence is key: Project confidence in your qualifications and ability to contribute to the company's success.
• Call to action: Don't leave the next step to chance! Encourage the hiring manager to follow up with you. A clear "call to action" demonstrates your seriousness about the position.
• Express gratitude: Thank them for their time and consideration of your application.

Here are a few examples to inspire your closing paragraph:

"Thank you for your time and consideration. I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of this position. I am eager to discuss my qualifications further and learn more about how I can contribute to [company name]'s continued success. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule an interview."

"My passion for [industry] and my proven track record in [area of expertise] make me a strong candidate for this role. I am particularly interested in [specific aspect of the job/company] and believe I can significantly contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon."

"With my transferable skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], I am confident I can quickly learn and adapt to the demands of this position. I am a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine enthusiasm for [company mission]. Thank you for your time. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience."

By including a strong closing paragraph that showcases your enthusiasm and initiative, you can leave a lasting positive impression and increase your chances of landing the interview.

Don’t forget the sign-off

The final line of your cover letter, the sign-off, may seem like a minor detail, but it holds surprising importance. 

It's your last chance to show professionalism, respect, and attention to detail – all qualities valued by hiring managers.

Here's why a professional sign-off matters:

• Professionalism: A proper sign-off reflects well on your overall application. It demonstrates you've taken the time to craft a polished and well-thought-out cover letter.
• Respect: A respectful closing shows consideration for the hiring manager's time and position.
• Seriousness: Including a clear call to action in your closing paragraph paired with a professional sign-off reinforces your genuine interest and seriousness about the opportunity.

Dos:

• Formal closing: Choose a standard, professional closing such as "Sincerely," "Thank you," "Respectfully yours," or "Best regards."
• Your typed name: This adds a personal touch and ensures clarity.
• Optional: Signature (For hard copies): If submitting a physical copy, include your signature below your typed name.

Don’ts:

• Abbreviations: Avoid using abbreviations like "Rgds" (Regards) or "Best." Remain professional and stick to full wording.
• Emojis or exclamation points: These elements are inappropriate for a professional cover letter.

Proofread your cover letter

Writing a cover letter is just one piece of the job application puzzle. The final step before hitting send is meticulous proofreading and polishing. 

Here's why this step is crucial:

• First impressions matter: Typos and formatting errors can create a negative first impression, potentially eliminating you from consideration before your qualifications are even reviewed.
• Professionalism: A polished and error-free cover letter reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, valuable qualities for any position.

Proofreading tips:

• Read it aloud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing or typos you might miss while silently reading.
• Proofread backward: Start from the end and work your way back to the beginning. This can help you focus on individual words and sentences rather than skimming.
• Take breaks: Step away from your cover letter for a while and come back to it with fresh eyes.

Seeking a second opinion:

Having another person review your cover letter can be invaluable. Here are some options:

• Trusted allies: Ask a friend, family member, or former colleague to proofread your letter.
• Professional guidance: Consider seeking feedback from a career counselor or professional resume writer. They can provide expert advice on relevance, clarity, tone, grammar, formatting, and overall impression.

And here’s what feedback to ask from them:

• Relevance: Does your cover letter clearly showcase how your skills and experience align with the job requirements?
• Clarity: Is your writing clear, concise, and easy to understand? Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
• Tone: Does your cover letter strike the right balance of professionalism and enthusiasm?
• Grammar and Spelling: Are there any errors that need correction?
• Formatting: Is your cover letter well-organized and visually appealing?
• Overall Impression: Does your cover letter create a strong and positive impression that effectively communicates your qualifications and interest in the position?

Proofread carefully and get feedback to make sure your cover letter is professional and impressive to employers.

How do you write a cover letter with no experience?

If you don’t have prior experience, you might find it difficult to write a cover letter. However, there are ways to write it that will make it stand out.

Start strong – Highlight your interest and qualifications

Grab the hiring manager's attention by explaining your enthusiasm for the position and why you believe you're a good fit. Also, don't dwell on the lack of experience. Instead, highlight relevant skills you've developed through coursework, volunteer work, or personal projects.

Demonstrate Your Skills – It's All About Transferability

It’s important to think beyond work experience. Even without formal work experience, you've likely acquired valuable skills in other settings.

Remember, that examples matter. Showcase how you've applied relevant skills in previous experiences. Did you lead a team project in school requiring strong communication and collaboration? - Mention it! 

Did you volunteer at a local non-profit, demonstrating your organizational skills and passion for community service? - Highlight it!

Keep it Concise – quality over quantity

The same rules apply here - aim to write one page. Hiring managers are busy, so get straight to the point.

Also, focus on new information. Your resume details your education and skills. Use your cover letter to elaborate and showcase how these skills translate to the specific needs of the position.

Remember:

• Clarity is key: Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
• Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression. Ensure your cover letter is polished and error-free.
• Enthusiasm shines through: Let your passion for the opportunity and the field come across in your writing.

By using these tips and highlighting your skills, you can create a cover letter that stands out, even without much work experience. This will improve your chances of getting an interview.

Key takeaways

Here are key takeaways from the article:

• Proofread like a pro: Typos are deal breakers. Double-check your work for any errors to ensure a polished and professional presentation.
• Don't be a copycat: Generic letters are a snooze. Tailor your cover letter to each specific job and company. Show you've done your research!
• Avoid extensive use of AI: Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and others do make life a lot easier, however, be sure not to copy-paste and add your touch to it. 
• A resume and cover letter serve different purposes. The resume lists your experience, while the cover letter highlights your aspirations and other qualities.
• Action verbs are your friends: Words like "managed," "spearheaded," or "increased" show you take initiative and get things done.
• Keep it professional: Avoid slang or casual language. Aim for a tone that's respectful and serious.
• Speak the company's language: Many companies use systems that scan for keywords. Use relevant words from the job description to get your application noticed.
• Bonus Tip: Your cover letter is not your resume, part two: Your resume lists your skills, but your cover letter should tell a story. Explain how your skills apply to the job and why you're excited about the company.
• Follow the directions: Job postings often have specific instructions. Pay attention to formatting and recipient information to show you respect the company's preferences.